“Our Lives Are Testimony”: County Unites Around Recovery and Hope

In a room filled with service providers, recovery advocates, and community members, the Union County chapter of the 100 Families Initiative hosted a powerful and deeply personal conversation on the realities of addiction—and the path to recovery.

“This is our community. And we have to fight for it,” said Elesha Egger of the Union County 100 Families Alliance, a group of local organizations that work together to help families move from crisis to stability and onto career. These organizations use a coordinated system called HopeHub to communicate, share resources, and track progress across agencies.

The meeting brought together professionals from Applegate Recovery, New Haven Recovery Lodge, and others working on the frontlines of addiction treatment in Union County. But more than a presentation of services, the event became a heartfelt exchange filled with hard truths, expert insight, and stories of transformation.

“I started using at 13,” said substance abuse counselor Bill Harrell, now in recovery after multiple encounters with the justice system. “We underestimate how early it can start. Most of our patients began at 13 or 14. We have to be aware of what kids are facing today. It’s not the same as when we were growing up.”

Understanding Recovery Options

One of the first questions addressed during the panel was the difference between two well-known support programs: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Both follow a 12-step model and offer structure and peer support, but each serves slightly different populations.

“Some people feel more comfortable in one group over the other,” Harrell explained. “But in early recovery, we encourage folks to go to as many meetings as they can—AA, NA, or both—because it helps build routine, structure, and a support system. If you are deep into the drug culture, you will need a new set of friends. Going to these meetings allows you to meet people who are doing the right thing, sets you on a new path, and helps you build a support system.”

Because NA often offers more frequent meetings, especially in rural areas, many people attend both to access daily support. Panelists also noted cultural differences—AA meetings may attract older or more professionally established individuals, while NA often draws those who are newer to recovery or have experienced incarceration. But both programs are open and welcoming to anyone seeking sobriety.

Addressing Barriers to Treatment

Another common concern was access to care, especially for those without insurance. “Applegate Recovery will still see patients without insurance,” said Krystle Warren. “We offer payment plans, and we’re running a clinical trial that can help cover costs. We also help people apply for Medicaid. That might pay for some services and pay for medications as well.”

Danielle Bourgeois, a care coordinator who works with inpatients at New Haven Recovery, emphasized that financial challenges should never be a reason someone is turned away. “We try to find a solution. We get Medicaid pretty quick because they are already inpatient with us,” she said.

When asked whether people can stay in Union County for treatment, Harrell said that while some sober living options are available locally, the right path often depends on the individual. “There are a few sober living options here in the area,” he said. “In many cases, it’s determined on a case-by-case basis. If someone is willing to relocate, we’ll do what we can to support that process. We don’t want to turn people away.”

Harrell also noted that scholarships for medication-assisted treatment are sometimes available, but they can be limited and tend to run out quickly due to high demand.

Supporting Loved Ones Through Addiction

A critical part of the conversation focused on how to support a loved one who isn’t ready for help. Panelists emphasized patience, boundaries, and readiness.

“Wait until they ask for help. You can’t force this on anybody. You can’t beat it into them. I’ve tried,” said Harrell, prompting laughter from the audience. “I didn’t want to go to treatment myself.”

“Because we have been through recovery ourselves, we can be lighthouses for those who need help. Our lives are a testimony,” said Stormi Bradham, a local woman in long-term recovery.

“If they are not ready, they’re not going to really get anything out of counseling. It doesn’t stick. But if you see that they even feel the smallest bit ready, pounce on that opportunity,” suggested Warren.

Panelists encouraged family members to avoid enabling behaviors, but also to stay connected and avoid shaming their loved ones. In certain situations, they said, it may be necessary to call the police—particularly if someone is driving under the influence or expressing suicidal thoughts.

“Jail is sometimes a great motivator,” Harrell noted. “It gives someone space to think.”

“You’ve got to start somewhere. If it’s jail, then ok,” added Warren.

Healing for Families, Too

The conversation also addressed the toll addiction takes on families and the importance of support systems for them as well.

“Al-Anon can be really helpful,” Bradham shared. “It teaches you how to set healthy boundaries and how to detach with love.”

Panelists urged family members to reach out to providers—even if their loved one hasn’t entered treatment. “Sometimes parents are in crisis just as much as the person using,” Harrell noted.

For parents supporting their children, Warren recommended starting with compassion and open communication. “Parents should also educate themselves about which substances are out there in the community and the warning signs for each one,” she said. “And if you find out they have done drugs, don’t shame them please. That leads them right to us. So don’t fly off the handle and just support them.”

For children growing up in households shaped by addiction, Bourgeois added that New Haven Recovery offers counseling and outreach services directly in schools for Medicaid-eligible youth.

A Testimony of Transformation

The event concluded with a moving testimony from Stormi Bradham. She spoke candidly about growing up surrounded by addiction, losing custody of her children, and cycling in and out of jail and rehab.

Her turning point came while sitting in prison, receiving a gratitude letter from her son. “God’s plans are bigger than ours,” she said. “When people ask if they should bail someone out of jail, I say: ‘No. Let them sit. Let them feel it.’”

Today, Bradham is sober, married, and employed. She sponsors other women in recovery and has rebuilt relationships with her children. “I get to be a mom. I get to sponsor women. I can walk through hard things without flipping out,” she said. “That’s only because of God, the program, and people like you who care.”